Feast of St. Andrew a celebration of all things Italian

Updated 5:05 pm, Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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The 113th Feast of St. Andrew, which celebrates the patron saint of Amalfi, Italy, runs Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30, in the historic Wooster Square area of New Haven.

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew, which celebrates the patron saint of Amalfi, Italy, runs Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30, in the historic Wooster Square area of New Haven.

Photo: Contributed Photo

Image 4 of 5

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

Photo: Contributed Photo

Image 5 of 5

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

The 113th Feast of St. Andrew includes a procession around historic Wooster Square in New Haven. The event runs Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30.

Photo: Contributed Photo

Feast of St. Andrew a celebration of all things Italian

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According to legend, on June 27, 1544, the Turkish fleet's attempt to invade Amalfi, Italy, led by the pirate Barbarossa, was foiled by the miracle of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, known here as St. Andrew.

The invaders apparently wanted to capture the saint's remains, entombed in the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Although outnumbered, the Amalfitani gave it their all, praying for a miracle.

And then they spotted an elderly man on shore, whittling a stick. Every shaving that fell into the sea created a tempest -- and the storm sank the Turkish vessels.

The elderly man was the incarnation of St. Andrew and his remains continue to be safeguarded at the Amalfi cathedral.

For this reason, June 27 is celebrated annually as a very special day in New Haven among Italians, especially those whose ancestors were from Amalfi, explained Patricia-Jo Esposito, a spokeswoman for the St. Andrew Apostle Society's 113th annual Italian Feast.

This year, the four-day feast will run from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30, at the society's club grounds in New Haven's historic Wooster Square area.

Founded on Nov. 1, 1900, the "Society of St. Andrew plays a major role in preserving not only the beautiful and rich culture of the Italian heritage but that of the Amalfitani people. By keeping these traditions alive today, the society is not only honoring our ancestors but is preserving the Amalfitani-Italian heritage for the future generations to learn and enjoy," Esposito said.

Opening night kicks off at 6 p.m. with a procession around the square, followed by a blessing of the festa by Bishop Peter A. Rosazza and the unveiling of the Saint Andrew the Apostle statue by Mary Carrano DiPino and Pat Vissichio. Michael Nigretti entertains from 7 to 10 p.m.

Nigretti returns, Saturday, June 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed from 8 to 11 p.m. by Neapolitan Night music by Richard DiPalma and guest. At 10 a.m. Sunday, an "Old World Traditional Procession" through Wooster Square takes place followed by an 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Michael Church on Wooster Square. Various entertainment acts are scheduled for the afternoon and evening.

"We're all family here," said Esposito, whose father once served as co-chair of the event. "Most of us have been involved in this feast all our lives, since we were children. It's a celebration of who we are. And we want to share this with everyone" in the region.